For some people, receiving social security disability insurance is essential to their survival. Therefore, it is important that they fully understand the process for receiving and keeping the benefit.
Regarding the securing of SSDI, or SSD for that matter, maintaining proper records of medical care is important. In fact, there are a few ways that the records benefit the claim.
Establishing onset
Medical records provide a verifiable and reputable papertrail of medical events. As such, the courts tend to look to medical care records to determine the onset of medical conditions. In many cases, the onset date effects the determination of qualifying medical conditions.
Key record components
When the Social Security Administration examines a disability claim, it looks for specific information to determine the viability of the claim. To aid in this determination, there are three main components that the administration seeks to verify:
- Accurate records
- Clear and sufficient detail
- Reasonable timeline
Proper medical records help to establish all three components. In fact, detailed medical records may aid in furthering the claim process.
Types of records
Medical care may involve several different tests and treatment methods. Therefore, there are a variety of medical record types that the administration will accept. Some of the more common record types include:
- X-rays
- Test results
- MRIs
- Physical and mental studies
While these record types are amongst the most common that claimants may submit, it is not an exhaustive list. As long as a physician can support the use of the record in relation to evaluating the patient’s condition, it may be acceptable for use in a disability claim. It may be helpful to consult with a professional to verify which records provide the greatest amount of support.
It is clear that medical care records are essential to a successful SSDI claim; however, it is not the only crucial element. For that reason, it is important that claimants understand the process, complete all necessary paperwork and adhere to any requests from the administration.